"Now that you're part of the student council, Tomoki, you've really become something else."
"Is it that hard to get in?"
"Yeah. There's a strict limit on how many members can join, and the president and vice president handpick the others. Plus… it's rare for a guy to make it in."
"Because no guys want to join?"
"Tomoki, do you remember the proposal about segregating male and female students for classes? Name one girl who supported it."
"…So guys who try to run don't get enough votes to become president, and they're not chosen for the council either."
"Exactly."
Not surprising. If most guys think like how Ryuichi used to think months ago, of course they won't gain support.
Did I really become someone important in this school?
Well, only if I don't lose my scholarship first.
"By the way, Ryuichi, how's your club? Enjoying it?"
"Yeah, they're all good people. They treat me with respect, and we have great book discussions."
"Speaking of which—any girls you're interested in?" — I asked with a grin.
"And what about you? You're basically the most popular guy in school now. Any girl you ask would probably—wait, sorry. My bad. I forgot... your situation."
Why'd he suddenly apologize?
He just said I'm the most popular guy, but then… no way.
I thought back to when I first entered the school. Everyone was talking about Ayame-san and Ryuichi—but not me.
Sure, Tachibana-san confessed to me, but aside from her, no one really talked to me. Only Ayame-san and the president. Maybe the chief, but let's just say It didn't end well.
So, in short: even if I'm considered "popular," no one sees me romantically. Ryuichi is called the "Ice Prince," senpai has multiple girlfriends, and even that boy got picked up by a girl. That's never happened to me.
Basically, Ryuichi's mocking me.
"Hey, Ryuichi. Why did you apologize just now? If you've got something to say, say it to my face, it'll probably hurt less."
"No, seriously, Tomoki. I wasn't being sarcastic. I honestly forgot about your case."
"So… are you saying I'm actually not popular with girls? Well… I mean, you're not wrong."
"..."
"...? Ryuichi? Why'd you go silent… Wait— Is someone behind me?"
I turned around—
"Hi, Tomoki-kun! I just couldn't help overhearing your conversation. Do you want to be popular with girls?" — She asked with cheerful voice and intense stare.
I wasn't sure if she was being friendly or sizing me up.
Well, I've kind of gotten used to it by now.
Anyways, telling a girl—especially the one I like—is kind of embarrassing to admit. Besides, the reason I hope to be popular with girls is that it would give me the confidence to approach Ayame-san as a man."
Last time I tried, I failed miserably.
We had a great time together. We supported each other through a lot—good times, bad times. People joked we were basically a couple. Even my best friend said it. But...
[Sorry... I don't see you that way...]
Just because we shared something special didn't mean it was romantic. She saw me as a good friend. I get it… but it still hurt.
"...? ... Tomoki-kun?"
Sometimes I regret confessing that day. Maybe if I'd waited… or worked harder to become someone she could see in a different light… But the funny thing is, I only realized that after being rejected.
Since I came here, I thought that just being myself would be enough to attract the attention of all the girls—as a man. And of course, Ayame-san's attention. But the more time I spend with her, the more I realize she sees me as a friend.
After all... somehow she reminds me of her.
"Tomoki-kun?"
See? The way she calls my name whenever she realizes I'm not being myself—it's just like her. Filled with kindness and concern.
"Oh… sorry. I was just lost in thought."
"…Is it because… you have feelings for another girl?"
What a tricky question.
Say yes—and I'd have to admit it's her. Say no—and she'd probably see through the lie instantly.
But I had to answer.
"Ayame-san… the truth is… Ryuichi said I'm not popular."
"What!? I literally said I wasn't being sarcastic—!"
"Satou-san? Care to explain?" — she asked, smiling, though the smile was clearly intimidating.
Sorry, Ryuichi. This whole thing started because of you. Maybe I'll use you as my scapegoat... Wait, I was the one who asked him about girls first...
Yeah. I owe him an apology.
♦ ♦ ♦
"Tomoki, do you have a grudge against me or something?"
"Sorry, my bad. Let me buy you a snack before we head home."
"You? Buying for me?"
"Come on, bro. I can afford a hamburger at least. I'm not that poor."
"Fine. I'll take it."
So we went to the cafeteria. I bought him a burger and got one for myself. We were eating peacefully—until we overheard something unsettling.
"Hey, that girl, Tachibana? She thinks way too highly of herself."
"You know that's not true. That's why he likes her now."
"THAT—ugh. So you're just okay with this? He barely talks to us anymore."
"Of course not. But what can we do? If he wants to spend time with her, we can't stop him. That's just common sense. It was the same when we started dating him."
"It's different. We were friends from the beginning. I liked planning how to make him fall for us."
"Yeah... But it is what it is. He's cool, kind, hardworking. It's a miracle we even became his girlfriends."
"Haha… you're right... But everything changed after he met him... Morikawa Tomoki."
Cough-cough-cough!
"Did you hear someone coughing?"
"Yeah, but who cares?"
"You're right… sigh~ Who would've thought a medicine from the doctor would make him meet Tachibana-san."
"No surprise. She's the daughter of a major pharmaceutical executive. She just happened to be there with her mom that day. It feels like destiny."
"Don't talk about destiny. That just makes me feel worse... Hey, do you think she likes him?"
"You'd have to be an idiot to think any girl wouldn't fall for a guy like that. Especially when we're talking about our boyfriend. But yeah, you're right — it's a concern. She might still have feelings for that Morikawa guy"
"I saw his speech at the auditorium. He was amazing. Some girls literally worship him like a god."
"If I weren't dating, I'd probably be one of them. And I bet you would too."
"Yeah... and that's what makes me mad. She's just using him to forget her pain. That's not fair."
"And? You planning to tell him that?"
"You're the worst. You feel the same way I do."
"…Yeah."
"Sorry… I talked too much."
"It's okay. Don't worry about it."
♦ ♦ ♦ A Few Minutes Later ♦ ♦ ♦
"Ryuichi."
"Yeah?"
"I'll take studying more seriously."
"You'd better."